WVXU: UC experts discuss P&G's new green policies

WVXU talked to UC College of Arts and Sciences associate professor Amy Townsend-Small and associate professor educator Robert Hyland about what P&G's pledge means. Both teach in UC's Environmental Studies Program.

"One thing, obviously, that P&G has been criticized for is deforestation," Townsend-Small told WVXU. "So in order to make up the difference for cutting down old growth trees, you have to replant a forest that you somehow can guarantee is never going to be cut down or burned. And that's extremely difficult because, how do you do that?"

P&G said it would make changes throughout the company from its supply chain to manufacturing.

Townsend-Small told WVXU that the company could use its considerable corporate influence to encourage governments around the world to enact conservation measures.

"They need to use their political power. They have lobbyists that have a lot of influence on our government and world governments," she said. "I think that they should be putting pressure on the government to enact regulations on greenhouse gas emissions."

Hyland noted the issue of climate change requires urgent action.

"I don't think it's too late," Hyland told WVXU. "I think it's tragic that the corporate culture has waited this long to try and become leaders, but I don't think it's too late."

Listen to the WVXU story.